Apparatus for remodeling lasts



. 5, 1939. J. D. OWEN APPARATUS FOR REMODELING LATS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ZZVUGIWOX" JOHN D. OWEN Filed Dec. 2, 1936 Dec. 5, 1 939.

APPARATUS FOR REMODELING LASTS J. 0.. OWEN Filed Dec. 2, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 ewe/"07 77 Dec. 5, 1939. J. D. OWEN I APIEARIUIPUS FOR REMODELING LASTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 2. 1936 Jirverribr 'JOHN D. OwE/v dwozvzqg Dec. 5, 1939. OWEN 2,182,447

APPARATUS FOR REMODELING LASTS Filed Dec. 2, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 f; fln NT I 17 11621 for J OHN D. O WEN Dec. 5, 1939. J, D, WEN v 2,182,447

APPARATUS FOR REMODELING LASTS Filed Dec. 2, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 102, [105i I71 126 21 for JOHN D. O WEN 5 W H a/fifoi'ney Patented Dec. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT orFlcr.

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for remodeling lasts.

More particularly it relates to the remodeling of a last by substituting a new forepart Changes of styles in shoes entail heavy expense because lasts which are sound and mechanically good have to be discarded. It has long been recognized that large economy would result, if a practicable Way were known for changing the forepart of a last.

Proposals to make lasts with detachable foreparts and a plurality of substitute foreparts have not won general acceptance, because mechanical fastenings become loose; and because style changes occur, unforeseen; and because of various other objections.

Proposals to remodel integral lasts have been by substituting a rough block for a severed forepart and then, with the block secured to the residue of old last, turning the block to the desired new shape of forepart. This procedure has proved unsatisfactory for various reasons, including the inability to mount in a lathe, because of the absence of old centers, and the extreme difficulty of shaping the new forepart precisely to desired contour without shaving or otherwise removing stock from the adjacent residue of the old.

The present invention starts with a last in which the body and toe are one integral piece, actually or in effect. This may carry such surface plates as may be wanted; and the body and heel may have whatever hinge, or block, or other arrangement may be preferred for extracting the last from the shoe. In the remodeled last which the invention provides, the connection of toe to body is integral, in the practical sense of being permanently rigid and secure, although the toe is in fact a separate piece of wood fastened to the body.

It is a characteristic of the present invention that the new forepart and the old body part fit together with perfect joinder of adjacent surfaces, without any wastage of material of the body, notwithstanding the difficulties above mentioned, arising from absence of turning centers and from diverse settings in the lathe of manufacture and the lathe of the remodeling.

Since the remodeling is eifected without the old body having been made initially attachable and detachable, with respect to the forepart, it is an advantage of my invention that it can be applied to any of existing millions of ordinary wood lasts (assuming the old body to be adequate), with the eifect of converting an-old last of no value into a new one at not much more than the cost of making the new fore portion. And this can be repeated an indefinite number of times. It is assumed in each case that all of the desired remodeling can be expressed in the fore portionwhich is usually the fact. The place for severing toe from body can be selected as far back from the tip as may be necessary inorder that the severed fore portion shall include all of the places where the contour of the last is to be changed, I

provided of course that it be forward of the hinge, if any, so that the saw does not find metal in its line of out. Outside plates, if any, can be removed for the sawing, and replaced. The new part which is to replace the severed portion may be longer or shorter, wider or narrower, thicker or thinner, made with more spring, or more swing, or less of either, and may embody any variations in other respects as if the new fore part were an integral part of a new entire last. The special sawing of the forward end of the body, and sawing of the rear end of the forepart, make the smooth joinder of their respective contours.

To attain these ends the invention uses customary methods for the rough-turning and shaving of a new forepart, starting with a rough block having only the length of the forepart with slight excess. The shaving leaves the block devoid of the toe-stub that carried the forward center on which the block was turned; and leaves it in the desired final shape; and practically in the desired final size, for the subsequent scouring and polishingtakes off only about a quarter of a size, which does not affect itsfit to the body part.

The invention provides for the determining of a proper length for the residue to be retained of theflold last, and a proper length for the replacement forepart,'in order that the remodeled last shall-be of desired length; and provides for a quick and perfect fitting of these two together. This-latter is done by sawing each, at a place where it is identical with the other in shape; effecting this sawing on cylindrical surfaces, that on each being identical with that on the other in curvature; "and if desired by marking guide points, one on the residue of body, and one on the new forepart, while they are separate, at their cylindrical surfaces which are to go together. The putting of the two guide points together when those surfaces are together will guide the setting of the forepart with correct swing with respect to the body part. This marking is opftional, being sometimes useful but ,not really necessary in practice.

It will be understood that, in cases to which the invention applies, the master model for the remodeled last can be made from one of the old lasts in the manner customary by adding layers of material to it to build up a fullness, or shaving material from it, so as to convert it to the desired new shape, according to the art of a model-maker. When a rough block is put into a lathe and a forepart is turned, with that remodeled shape as a guiding master model, the rear portion of the forepart, at and back of the place for its fitting to the body part, will have a region identical in shape with the corresponding region of the master model, and therefore identical in shape with the corresponding region of each of the old lasts which are to be remodeled. The old last which is to be remodeled is therefore cut off in this region, on a cylindrical surface; and the severed forepart is discarded. This may be done by a band saw, with the last mounted on a swinging work table. The new rough-turnedand-shaved forepart is severed in its corresponding region, its excess length being cut off at a proper distance from the fore-tip (according as the new toe is to be longer or shorter); and the severed rear portion of the forepart is discarded. This cut may be made by the same band saw, making a cylindrical surface with the same radius of table except that the radius is preferably reduced by the thickness of the saw cut. The identity of contour shapes at the regions where these cuts are made permits of the old body and the new forepart being put together with perfect and firm fit of their cylindrically cut surfaces, and with practical identity of external contour.

The region for effecting this union may for brevity be referred to as a mid-region of the last. It is aft of all forward regions where any contour is to be changed; and it is forward-of the rear and main body portion of the last, containing the hinge and principal metallic obstacles to the making of a saw out. There will ordinarily be ample length of space here where the contour of the old last is not to be changed, and where, therefore, each one of the old lasts will be like all the others of the samestyle in contour; and any one of them can be chosen to be that one which will be altered by hand to become the pattern or model for the new.

These steps are accomplished by ascertaining and recording in a cradle a known position of the old last, and severing its forepart on a surface having a known relation to that position; and, if desired, recording on the residue a point show ing its relation to the said position; setting the new forepart in its appropriate portion of that same position, this having previously, in an operation by itself, been prepared in the desired new shape, with a small excess length of midregion of the last; cutting off the excess at its rear, to a surface occupying the same relation to that position as did the forward surface of the body, at which the last was severed; recording on the forepart, if desired, a point having a known relation to the said position; and putting the surfaces of severance together, of the residue body and the residue forepart, with their recordin points indicating the proper relation of these residues to each other for reproducing in their assembly the relation which each separately held with respect to said known position of the whole last when it was set therein.

In practice these steps may be accomplished thus: First, setting the old last into a holder or jig, having adjustable points for support and for positional touch of the old last, and holding the last therein on a band saw table which swings for the forepart to be cut off on the said cylindrical curve, and if desired, recording the said guide point by a mark on it, showing its position relative to the jig. Second, setting the previously turned and shaved forepart into the same jig, the forward points of which for support and touch have been adjusted slightly for the oversize and for any change of size, or further change of swing or spring that may be desired or for any contour change which occurred at points of contact of the jig with the new forepart; and swinging the forepart across the saw to remove its rear excess length on the same said cylindrical curve, the relation of table to saw having been adjusted for the thickness of previous saw cut; and if desired, marking on the forepart, at or near said oylindrical surface, a record point which is at the same location, relative to the jig, which was marked on the body residue of last. Third, setting the body residue of last back into the jig for the fitting together of the old body and the new forepart.

While they are thus fitting together they can be compared with the pattern, adjusted on their cylindrical are bearing, if desired, and then secured together, as by glue and pressure, and by sunken screws and dowel pins, so as to make a solid last in which, for all practical needs of a shoe factory, the forepart is as if it were integral with the body part That body part may be of the hinged type or otherwise as may be desired.

The finishing of the forepart may then be completed as in the case of a solid last, by scouring,

polishing, dipping, and by adding a toe-iron if desired. As the smoothing of the rough finish by the scouring reduces the forepart only about a quarter of a size, it is clear that the perfecting of the smoothness of joinder of surfaces involves no violating of the original form at this region of identity, as the forepart there is already in practically its final form. When put together the shape of each at the cut fits the other precisely; and the pre-existing shape of the body part does not need to be violated in making a smooth joinder.

It results therefore that the remodeled last requires only the labor for making and afiixing the new forepart, with no spoilage of the body portion, and with a great saving over previous methods.

While the invention can be performed with the greatest assurance as to precision of execution by use of the apparatus herein described, or its equivalent, this apparatus is not essential. In place of the described position recordingmeans and positioning means by contact barriers and supports, the skill and strength ofa proficient band saw operator can set and guide the last and the element that is to constitute the new forepart-particularly if he be aided by marks on the carrier plate against which he can sight while holding these parts for the sawing.

Also, while the severing of the old last and the in hand for the securing together. However, this-- correctness depends upon the correct cradling of the new forepart in the jig. If the parts are to become secured together while both are correctly 5 set in the jig; or if their correct relations to each other are to be then indicated by marks on each, or otherwise, the curvilinear nature of the surfaces of severance and of union can be dispensed with, and the saw out can be on other lines ac- 10 cording to convenience. In particular a travel of saw straight across can be substituted, such as the customary straight feed of work past a circular saw, which can out only a plane surface.

It is intended that the patent shall cover, by 15 suitable expression in the appended claims, whatever features of patentable novelty exist in the invention disclosed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan of a device, embodying features of the invention, suitable for practicing my improved method of remodeling lasts. A curved dot and dash line indicates a last which is to be remodeled, set in position where its fore part is partly severed from the body part;

2 Figure 2 is a top plan of the under supporting plate or bed, showing the combined slide and hinge by means of which the last-holder or carrier plate is variously shiftable and adjustable on the bed;

30 Figure 3 is an elevation, in section on 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an elevation, in section on 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure l, but with 35 a new pre-modeled forepart of last indicated by dot and dash lines; and a second position of the carrier plate indicated also by dot and dash lines;

Figure 6 is an elevation, in section on 66 of Figure 5;

40 Figure 7 shows a conventional type of last whose forepart has been cut from the body part according to teachings of the invention;

Figure 8 is an elevation of a new and independently modeled forepart of last prior to re- 45, moval of surplus stock at its butt end;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing the surplus at the butt end cut away, according to the invention, from the pre-modeled forepart;

50 Figure 10 shows the pre-modeled forepart of Figure 9 joined to the preserved main body of last which is seen in Figure 7;

Figure 11 is an elevation, in section as if on line 3-3 of Figure 1, but of a modified form of 55 device wherein a last or forepart'may be sawed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the last or forepart;

Figure 12 is an elevation of a last with its forepart severed according to the disclosure of Fig- 0 ure Figure 13 is an elevation of a completed remodeled last;

Figure 14 is an elevation of a womans shoe last, its forepart being severed in obliquity to 5 the longitudinal axis, the obliquity being opposite to that of Figure 12, as if out on a device having a carrier plate corresponding to that of Figure 12 but pivoted near its rear end, for tilting forward;

70 Figure 15 is an elevation, in medial longitudinal section, of a device for assembling an old rear part and a new forepart; and

Figure 16 is a top plan of the device of Figure 15.

T5 Referring to the drawings, the apparatus portrayed in Figures 1-6' comprises the two main parts l0, l2 which for convenience will be reierred to herein respectively as the bed plateand the carrier plate. The bed plate In may be secured, as by the screws M, on the top of a work table I6, of a band saw, which plates have a slot l8 running inward from that edge toward which the work swings while being fed to the saw. This slot extends well beyond the location of the saw 2B,:for enabling initial proper posi- 10 tioning of the plate relative to the saw.

The carrier plate l2 is mounted on the bed plate, but its only connection to the bed plate is through a bar 22 which is slidably engaged in a dovetail groove 24 in the bed plate. One end portion 22 of this bar is hinged to the other portion 22" on a vertical axis 26 (Fig. 2); and the carrier plate 12 is rotatably connected to the bar portion 22' as at 28, so that the carrier plate, in addition to being rotatable on the pivot 28 is shiftable over the surface of the bed plate by movement of the bar portion 22 in its groove 24. A quadrantdepression 30 (Figure 2) inthe midst of top face of the bed plate, permitsswing of bar portion 22 from and to alignment with the bar portion 22", one limiting wall of the depression being a precise continuation ofa wall of the dovetail groove 24 against which the bar portion 22 slidably engages in its saidalign- M ment with bar portion 22". The bar 22 is adjustable along groove 24 by means of screw 32 whose threads engage in fixed plate 35 at the edge of the bed plate Ill. And

a knurled finger piece 36 at the end'of screw 32 facilitates the adjustment in conjunction with 3 a suitable scale 38 whose utility will later appear. Carrier plate I2 has a relatively large recess or broad slot 56, running in from that side edge toward which the work is fed, within which slot 40 the saw is located, preferably, in all positions of the plate l2. The slot 40 has breadth and shape sufiicient to permit the necessary movements of plate I 2 without any portion of it coming against the saw. Thus plate l2, for the act of placing a last therein, may be swung from its position of Figure 1 to the dot and dash position of Figure 5, in which case the movement breaks the rectilinear setting of bar 22 on its hinge 26 as indicated by dot and dash lines in Figure 2. puts the plate I 2 in a position where the saw '20 stands at or adjacent to the wide entrance to slot or recess 40. After the last has been properly placed .and adjusted on plate l2, aswill hereinafter appear, the plate l2 may be swung 5 back until bar portion 22' is in rectilinear alignment with bar portion 22'. Then the plate [2' may be rotated slowly on pivot 28 to bring the work against the saw 20 as seen in Figure 1. I

prefer to provide stop means, such as pins 42,

44, for preventing accidental movement of plate l2 against the saw. Further important features of the invention reside in cradling means for mounting and accurately adjusting the work on the carrier plate 3' lZ, so that the cutting of a forepart from an old last,and the cutting of a pre-modeled new forepart, may be accomplished in such a manner that the main part of the old last and the premodeled. new forepart will be combined with r'equired accuracy and nicety of fit of one to the other-as distinquished from prior practices where the new forepart has been put on as a block that had to be subsequently modeled and madeto fittheoIdbodyL 1 m .1

This 5 J Accordingv to the invention, a, heel rest 46 is secured to a vertical slide 48 which is vertically adjustable in a rear barrier 50. And barrier 50 is adjustable along carrier plate I2 by being mounted on the spread runners 52, 52, each of which is slidably engaged in a dovetail-groove way 54. However, when the barrier 50 has been set initially in a desired position on carrier plate I2, it may be locked there by the lock screw 56, which may be similar to the device shown in detail in Figure 6.

The rest 46 andits slide 48 constitute a unit which may be clamped at various elevations on barrier 58. For this, a screw 58 is fixed on slide 48 and projects through a vertical slot 60 in barrier 50. And a clamping nut 62 is threaded on the end of screw 58 for engaging the barrier and clamping the slide and barrier against relative movement.

The unit 46, 48 may be raised or lowered by taking hold of it and thrusting it up or down while the clamp 62 is loosened. But I prefer to provide a means for fine vertical adjustment of the unit, such as the screw 64 threaded through rest 46, with its inner end movable into engagement with plate I2, and with its outer end accessible for adjusting the screw, thereby to adjust the unit 46, 48.

When an old last is to be mounted in the device, it will be set on rest 46 with the back of its heel portion thrust against slide 48, as seen in Figures 1, 3. In order to center it, and to retain it at this rear location, I provide the laterally adjustable lugs 66, 66 and 61, 61 for engaging the heel portion of the last at two spaced locations at opposite sides. Each pair of lugs may be threaded on a right and left screw 68,

centrally anchored at III, on rest 46, against lateral movement. The lugs are slidable and nonrotatably mounted, so that rotation of a screw 68 in counter-clockwise direction in Figure 1 would cause the lugs 66, 66 or 61, 6! to engage the last the more tightly from opposite directions, the simultaneous movements of the lugs toward the center line of plate I2 ensuring accurate centering of the rear portion of the last.

The support for the forepart of the last is provided on the other side of groove 46, so that the saw 20, working along the slot 48 as plate I2 is swung toward the saw, passesbetween the forward and the rear supports for the last, and severs the forepart from the main body. The forward support includes the laterally adjustable pieces I2, 12 for engaging under the last a v little forward of the ball of the last, each piece I2 having a vertical extension I2" with curved lateral face for engaging a side of the last. The pieces 12, I2 are shown fixed as to elevation; and their extensions I2, I2 are comparable to the lugs 66, 66 or 61, 6! at the rear, being simultaneously movable toward and away from their respective sides of the last by means of the right and left screw I4,

Toward the toe of the last, I provide similar laterally adjustable pieces I6, I6, each having a vertical extension I6, for engaging a side of the last at this region. Both of these sets of pieces I2, I2 and I6, I6 may have their lateral adjustment each in a slide which itself is adjustable laterally by means of an adjusting screw. I show such a slide I3 for the pieces I2, I2, and one I8 for the pieces I6, I6, with their respective adjusting screws I5, 80. By this means I provide for accommodating difierent shapes and stylesof toe. A scale 11 on plate I2 facilitates proper adjustment of both sets of pieces I2, 12 and 16,

The pieces I6, I6 are resiliently mounted to yield, vertically for accommodating different degrees of toe-spring. For this purpose each piece I6 may be backed by a spring 82; and each may have a set screw 83 for holding it at a proper elevation. If desired the pieces I2, 12 may be adjustable vertically the same as pieces 76, I6.

A forward barrier 84 has the side runners 86, 86 engaged in the dovetail groove ways 88, 88 in plate I2, permitting the barrier to be moved against the tip of the toe of the last. And the barrier may be locked in its adjusted position by a screw lock 90, as shown in detail in Figure 6. This barrier 84 conveniently may carry the adjustable last-tip rest 85 which may be set with regard to a scale 8! for engaging under the tip of a last of known toe-spring.

I find it desirable also to provide a mid-support for the last, although the forward and rear supports will be formed sufficient in most cases. The mid-support 92 may be moved along its way 94, for standing under the mid-portion of a complete last, or under the stub end of a new forepart of last, to assure against movement of the residue against the saw, after the saw has severed a forepart from that residue.

It is a feature of the invention that the setting of rear and forward barriers 58, 84 results in a simultaneous setting of scale elements for indicating the stick-length of last. Conveniently the scale elements 96, 98 may be carried, one by a runner 52 of barrier 56, and the other by a runner 86 of barrier 84. And these scale elements extend side by side in way 54, 88, which join each other to provide a continuous way for the purpose. As portrayed, one scale element may be graduated for coaction with a mark on the other, to indicate stick-length sizes of lasts.

The method of the invention can be practiced by means of the particular apparatus portrayed in Figures 1-6:

A location on an old last having been determined, back of which no change is required in the making of the desired remodeled last, the operator will set therear barrier on plate I2 approximately in position to effect a cut at that location, and will lock it there by lock-screw 56. Then the old last may be set into the device while plate I2is in the dot and dash position of Figure 5. The heel of the last will be thrust against the slide 48 of barrier 56; and the lugs 66, 66 and BI, 61 will be brought against opposite sides of the heel by means of screws 68, 68, thereby to center the rear portion of last on carrier plate I2.

At the forepart of the last, the vertical extensions I2 I2 of the support pieces 12, I2 will be similarly brought against their respective sides of the last, the forepart meanwhile resting on the pieces I2, 12. Next the pieces I6, I6 are adjusted so that their extensions I6 I6 may engage opposite sides of the last. The adjustment of pieces I2 I2 and I6 46" may involve a lateral shifting of the slides I3 or I8 before the extensions I2 I2 or I6 I6 engage the last. The pieces I6, I6 will automatically adjust themselves against the under toe part of the last, and may be locked there by the lock screws 83, 83. ,The forward barrier 84 next will be adjusted against the toe of the last, and may be locked by the screw, lock 60; the scale elements 96, 98 being thereby automatically set to indicate the stick-length size of the last. The mid-supportSZ, if desired, may be moved to a mid-supporting position.

The old last being new properly centered and cradled on plate 12, in position recorded by the set and locked position of the various contact lugs, pieces and barriers of the cradle on plate I2, the adjustment of the last, so that the saw will cut it at the predetermined location, may be accomplished by the screw 32, by means of which carrier plate I2 may be moved along the bed plate I0. Then carrier plate I2 may be swung toward the saw until the hinged bar 22' comes into rectilinear alignment with bar portion 22", after which plate l2 may be slowly rotated on its pivot 28 to feed the work against the saw, and so to sever the forepart from the last on a surface curving around the axis of pivot 28.

In Figure 7 an old last is shown, with its forepart A severed from the main body of the last B, the vertical extent of the surfaces of severance being approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axle of the last.

A new forepart of last, which is to be put on the old body part B, is shown in Figure 8 at C, premodeled in the desired new form and style. This new forepart C will have been modeled in accordance with the design and style of the forepart of a master last or model which embodies the desired changes from the old. If the size of the master last is the same as that which is being remodeled, the master may be mounted in the device, as heretofore explained in connection with the mounting of the old last, to get a proper setting of the forward supports. Then the master last may be removed, and the new forepart inserted in the'forward supports, which thus have been properly and accurately centered and adjusted to receive it. A slight loosening of the support pieces I2, 12, and I6 and i6 is permissible during the substitution, without danger of upsetting the adjustment.

However, it frequently happens that a complete master last or pattern is available in only one size, in which case it becomes necessary to make suitable adjustments for the making of other sizes, or for other stick lengths. All three of the scales TI, 81 and 96, 98 may be utilized in making such adjustments. Needed adjustments of stick length usually are distributed equally at toe and heel, so that one half the increase or decrease is accomplished by adjustment of the rear barrier 5B, and the other half by adjustment of the forward barrier 85. Similarly the needed adjustments of pieces I2, I2 and I5, 16 may be accomplished by predetermined adjustments of their respective slides I3, I8 along the scale ll. Also the tip rest 85 may be adjusted with reference to scale 81 to attain a desired toe spring.

If a particular setting of elements accommodates a right last, or a right forepart'of last as seen in Figure 5, it will be obvious that a corresponding setting of slides 13,18 to the other side of zero on scale 'Il' will accommodate a left last or forepart. In Figure 5 it happens that slide 73 is set at zero, so that no adjustment of it would be required in setting for a left forepart.

With the new forepart C properly mounted on plate I2, an adjustment must be made to allow for the width of the saw cut, in order that the radius of curvature of the cut surface on the forepart will be precisely equal to the radius of the cut surface on the residue body portion B of the old last. The adjustment in any particular case will depend upon the width of cut made by .the particular saw used. Usually this will be found to be approximately one-sixteenth of an inch. Therefore, the operation should adjust carrier plate I2 this one-sixteenth of an'inch, or Whatever distance is proper, along bed plate It] in direction to shorten the radius of the cutting curve that amount. The adjustment may be accomplished by screw 32, the associated scale 38 being provided to assist the accuracy of this adjustment.

The mentioned allowance for width of saw cut may be made prior to mounting the newforepart in the device, if preferred.

The act of cutting the stub end. from the new forepart will be similar to the previously described cutting, after which the new forepart C and the old main part B are ready to be joined together.

Instead of the cutting, as heretofore described, having its straight line elements (thecourse of the saw) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the last, or forepart, which is undergoing treatment, the cutting may be oblique to the said I axis; and at present I consider this latter style of cutting preferable because it facilitates the effective joinder of a new forepart with an old body.

Figure 11 illustrates how this oblique cutting may be accomplished by introducing an interupstanding obliquely above plate I! and adjustable in standard-I5, to set the angle of saw cut. Plate 52 may be held aloft parallel to plate II while the work is being mounted thereon, as by the strut ll; and may then have its end dropped a to the full line oblique position of Figure 11 for the cutting, being held firmly against plate ll during the cutting. Suitable means (not shown) may be provided for holding plate l2 against plate If desired an extra clamp I9 may be employed in this case for holding the forepart of last.

In this case of oblique severance, plate I! receives the pivotpin 28 of hinged bar 22, and is movable and rotatable the same as has been described for plate l2 in the embodiment of Figures 1-6. Carrier plate l2 rides on plate II, so that the work is adjusted and moved to and from the saw the same as has been described in connection with Figures 1-6.

A last severed according to the portrayal of Figure 11 is shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 shows a last out with opposite obliquity of severance, as if out on a device similar to Figure 11 but with plate I2 hinged near'its rear end.

The joining and securing of shank and pre- "modeled forepart may be accomplished byusing This joining of parts of the last may be ac-' complished in the device on which the parts were cut; or may be accomplished in a special device for that purpose. v

In Figures 15, 16, there is portrayed such a special device comprising a plate I00 on which are mounted heel and toe pieceswhi'ch may be similar to the pieces 66, 66; I2, 12 and 16, 16 of Figures 1-6 and 11, so that the two parts of last which are to be joined may be mounted on plate I08 in precisely the same positions they would assume in the cutting device. An adjustable undersupport I02 is provided for engaging under the toe part adjacent to its cut surface. And a screw press I04 straddles the last, and may have a presser face composed of a relatively thick body of resilient material, so that, as it engages a surface of last, it tends to conform to the particular surface engaged, thereby transmitting applied pressure without injuring or defacing the last. A hole or slot I06 in plate I00 provides for drilling a hole across the surface of joinder, entering from the bottom; and for driving a screw I08, which completes the securement. may cover the head of the screw and permit a smooth finishing of the last at this region.

The remodeled last requires no trimming to make the forepart fit the body part, because the invention has made these parts to fit precisely. Any desired scouring and polishing may be accomplished without objectionable eifect.

In Figures 1, 3 and 5 there is indicated a last marking device I I2 fixedly pivoted at I I4 on carrier plate I2, and movable into engagement with a portion of last adjacent to the line of its saw cut. The marking device I2 may have a suitable pointed element H6 pivoted at its free end and capable of making a mark on the residue of old last and on the new forepart, to facilitate proper and accurate assembling of these parts, by bringing the said marks into registration with each other.

I claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, comprising a saw combined with a jig, having a rear holder and a fore holder respectively for the rear part and forepart of a last; said saw and jig being relatively movable for the saw to pass through a path crossing between the rear holder and the fore holder; and means for relative adjustment of the saw and jig transversely of said path, sufficiently to set them for another passing of the saw in which that edge of path which is nearer to the fore holder will be positioned at that edge of the path of the saws first passing which is more remote from the fore holder, thereby to provide for the cutting ofv a new forepart having length containing compensation for that part of the lengthof last which became lost by being in the path of saw-cut through the old last.

2. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, comprising a last-holder combined with a saw; said holder having a cross passage along which said saw is adapted to operate, and having last-engaging means on both sides of the passage; said engaging means on one side of the passage being adequate, without aid of engaging means located on the other side of the passage, for positioning a new fore-part of last to be trimmed by the saw so as to replace an old fore-part cut off by that saw, and so as to fit the cut face of the old rear-part from which the old fore-part was cut by that saw; and means for adjustment of the saw and holder relative to each other in the fore A wood dowel IIO and aft direction of the last for selecting the location, on said portion of last, where said cutting 01f is to occur.

3. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, comprising a band saw; a support; a jig pivotally mounted on the support for the severing of the fore-portion from the rear-portion of a last, said jig having an opening for travel of the saw relative to the jig across the position of a last on the jig; and last-engaging means on the jig, comprising a group of devices located on one side of the travel opening for engaging both sides and the end of one end portion of the last, and a groupof devices located on the other side of the travel opening for engaging both sides and the end of the other endportion of the last; the two said groups being arranged to hold between them the whole last for said severing; and one of said groups being capable of positioning a premodeled fresh portion of last for being trimmed by the saw; and means for adjusting the position of this group and the pivot, relative to the saw, by moving the pivot and the saw relatively to each other a distance equal to the width out out in said severing, so that the saws path in said trimming of this fresh end portion will be of the same curvature as the surface which the saw in the said severing left on the complementary portion of last.

4. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, as in claim 3, further characterized in that there is a guide and therein a slide carrying the said pivot, which slide is shiftable for moving the pivot toward and from the saw in the direction of length of the last, and is a two-piece bar whose pieces are hinged together; one of those pieces and the hinge moving only at the guide, and the other of those pieces, hinged to the first, and carrying the said pivot, being movable away from the guide andfrom the saw.

5. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, comprising a support and a jig having means for mounting and positioning a portion of last; said jig comprisingv a base pivotally mounted on the support,

and a last-carrier mounted on said' base and hinged thereto on an axis for tilting the last relative to the line of action of a saw; said carrier having said mounting and positioning means,

and there being an opening in the carrier across which the mounted last extends; and said saw,-

arranged for travel across the tilted last-position when said jig as a whole is moved about said base pivot.

'6. Apparatus for remodeling lasts, comprising a support and a jig having means for mounting and positioning a portion of last; said jig comprising a base pivotally mounted on the support, and a last-carrier mounted on said base and hinged thereto on an axis for tilting the last relative to the line of action of a saw; means for holding .said carrier at different angles of inclination, said carrier having said mounting and positioning means, and there being an opening in the carrier across which the mounted last extends; and said saw, arranged for travel across the tilted last-position when said jig as a whole is moved about said base pivot.

JOHN D. OWEN. 

